MOST divorced couples would probably prefer not to see each other. Ever
again. But when you share custody of your children, you have to assume a
certain amount of face-to-face time amid the endless back-and-forthing.

Think of the clashing summer vacation plans, the
who-goes-to-Lucy’s-birthday-party, the “Max forgot his homework again”
at Dad’s. And those devilish contretemps that can arise if Mom, for
example, decides to keep her house kosher while Dad serves the children
pork chops. Or if her new boyfriend is suddenly sleeping over on “her”
nights to host the children.

Let’s just say that no matter how well ex-spouses and still-parents
coordinate, there’s a good chance of teary phone calls, angry exchanges
during drop-off, and all-out fights about who’s not saving enough for
college, often played out smack in front of the children.